Kennel Owners Avoid Jail In Animal Cruelty Case

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) – The owners of a Bethany kennel where state authorities seized 275 animals in 2008 have avoided prison time on animal cruelty charges after reaching plea deals.

Sixty-four-year-old Jeffrey Boyarsky received a suspended prison sentence Monday in New Haven Superior Court. He was also fined $3,000 and banned from operating kennels. His wife, Bella Boyarsky, also received a suspended jail sentence in January.

State animal control officers say they found five dead birds at Boyar Kennels in December 2008 including three peacocks. They also found several sick dogs, including a puppy that later died of pneumonia. Officials say animals were living in poor conditions including dogs, pheasants, peacocks, ducks, chickens and pigeons.

The couple’s lawyer says they developed health problems, got depressed and couldn’t keep up with caring for the animals.